Who will buy an E-50 ?

[Raist3d]

--

Raist3d/Ricardo (Photographer, software dev.)- "You are taking life too seriously if it bugs you in some way that a guy quotes himself in the .sig quote" - Ricardo

 

[Raist3d]

I agree that Olympus had no idea what they were doing this past 2 years. Their strategy was bad and I think they start to realize that.

The thing is they changed management, we saw the E-5,

The E-5 came out well before the management change and it was in the pipeline for longer than that. We also saw a presentation by them saying the E-5 was the stop gap until pro micro four thirds came about. Not sure how the E-5 coming out it's supposed to point to the support of 4/3rds on that end.

and now they say they will develop E-XX, new E-X and even some 4/3 lenses in the future. Ian from the Olympus UK forum said recently that he was informed by someone from Olympus optics that they are developing a 90mm Macro for 4/3. They also filed a patent for a hybrid ,,trasformers,, camera that turns from m4/3 in 4/3.

The later doesn't help 4/3rds per se. It's a compatibility thing, not a true development of the line. As for the macro- the Macro was officially canned by Olympus. I would love to see evidence that macro is coming out for real.

All that tells me that at this time they are trying and thinking of strategies to get back on track. Also I think that if they had no plans for the future and no confidence they would have sold their camera division by now and go home.

I think the pervious performance of two years shows they don't have a well thought out strategy.

So my strong belief is that Olympus will try to win back lost 4/3 customers, and I bet we will see some surprises in that direction. If they succeed it remains to be seen.

--

Raist3d/Ricardo (Photographer, software dev.)- "You are taking life too seriously if it bugs you in some way that a guy quotes himself in the .sig quote" - Ricardo

 

[sderdiarian]

It was a mistake, though, for Olympus to link the size of the camera to its level, so the small bodies always were entry-level and the high-end bodies always were large and heavy. Only the E-620/600 broke that rule to some extent, but there never was a really small high-end camera like the Pentax K-7/K-5, which should really have come from Olympus, the more so because of the even smaller sensor...

Agree completely. The K-5 with a 16MP 4/3's sensor is what the E-xx/E-xxx, call it what you will, should be.

Most people by nature are optimistic, and its a fact that this song and dance isnt over yet, so perhaps they find it has more appeal than listening to some guy dragging a cart around hollering 'bring out your dead'.

Thank you for giving me a good laugh!

I really hate saying this.... but I think it's pretty obvious that Olympus has absolutely no idea what they will do next.

Their business plan is either in total disarray, or they are consciously floating contradictory trial balloons to see if there is sufficient interest in one design or the other.

First they tell us..."the future is M4/3" and that "within 5 years their systems will be merged into one beautiful system."

They then produce a wonderful E5, which is essentially a nice update on the E3, but is pretty much a camera they could have created in 2009.

They even told us something totally absurd... "M4/3 is the entry level to the E5." Which is a thoroughly baffling statement. Never before has an entry level camera motivated someone to buy an advanced camera with a completely different lens mount!

Their official statements are so meaningless and contradictory that they invite speculation.

Now they hint at an E30 successor.

Do these people have any idea what they will do next? Or, are they just throwing things out there... to see how we will react?

If they were trying to give their customers some confidence in what to expect next, then they have failed miserably.

May the force be with their new president in trying to sort this mess out. Olympus users are a patient lot for sure, so who knows, if they actually produced a 4/3's or m4/3's or hybrid, whatever, that lives up to the OM4Ti standard of excellence in a small body, many waiting on the sidelines might actually still re-engage.

All that tells me that at this time they are trying and thinking of strategies to get back on track. Also I think that if they had no plans for the future and no confidence they would have sold their camera division by now and go home.

So my strong belief is that Olympus will try to win back lost 4/3 customers, and I bet we will see some surprises in that direction. If they succeed it remains to be seen.

Hope springs eternal, and I'm with you brother.

On a humorous note, I await their next major announcement of product direction from a Buddhist monk living in a cave in Nepal sending it by carrier pigeon over the mountains to the West. It's gotten to be kind of a "Where's Waldo" exercise to try and figure out their next move, actually pretty comical in a quirky kind of way if one can only remain detached!

--
Sailin' Steve

 

[boggis the cat]

The four thirds support got changed to "only one system remains" and the presentation admitting the e-5 was a stop gap until the pro micro arrives.

Did they say that, though? I am not so sure they did.

I don't know where you get the idea they were saying what you said "all along"

You mean this:

I'm not sure that was a "statement" as such. They were always going to be considering refreshing the standard FourThirds bodies, depending on how well Micro was doing and their profitability on lens sales.

Notice that I didn't bring up what they said (even if you could tease some consistency out of Olympus' statements) -- I stated what they would be considering . Or at the least what they would have to be considering, unless they genuinely have no clue at all.

The point of not saying something / saying many things (Olympus Zen?) is to avoid being held to account. Olympus seem to have at least two management camps in their consumer imaging group that are in disagreement, and no clear strategy.

We now have a new data point saying there will be a new exx and ex models at some point to which due to all the consistent previous statements in the last year and actions I remain somewhat skeptical but not ruling put they changed their mind

They were always leaving plenty of space to "change their mind", as we never knew what their mind was. I'm also sceptical of an impending "E-50" -- the E-5 was always going to sell to a certain extent, but is there enough interest left in their knee-capped and partially-garrotted standard FourThirds system to sustain an E-50? Perhaps their sort-of statement is just a customer survey? They should be able to turn out an updated body quickly enough; but it will have to incorporate a "new improved" sensor to gain any real interest, IMO. The E-5 had a "captive market", the E-50 won't (or not to the same extent).

Maybe Olympus are boldly applying management via chaos theory to their consumer imaging group? They are known for innovation.

 

[Rriley]

Is noisier than the e-5/e30/pen sensor

Come on, mate.

I have downloaded the GH2 raws and it sure seems lower noise to me than the E-5 raws.

We all have read often enough and from the most different sources that its producing more noise at ISO 160/200 than its predecessors.

More than the GH1, but not more than the G1/G2/pens, etc. It is just a bit behind the GH1 and the GH1 was notably ahead.

Why do you want to discuss something that apparently represents a generally accepted fact?

Because it isn't. Your claim is wrong and it's not what I am seeing with direct manipulation of the RAW files. I am asking then where it this idea coming from? Dxo certainly doesn't agree with it and if you don't selectively like Dxo like many here, you can see this from the RAWS yourself.

Remember, don't look at JPEGS. JPEG engine of Olympus is certainly better than Panasonic's...

--

Raist3d/Ricardo (Photographer, software dev.)- "You are taking life too seriously if it bugs you in some way that a guy quotes himself in the .sig quote" - Ricardo

--
Riley

any similarity to persons living or dead is coincidental and unintended

 

[e520mp]

If it sells for less than $1000, and has a feature set better than the e30 and e620 combined....

I'll consider it...

if I get a raise at work!

 

[olyflyer]

if youre going to come here. try to keep up

In other words, there is no "statement", just speculation.

 

[olyflyer]

I find really interesting how people wouldn't believe... when Olympus consistently said the future was all pens but it takes just one comment in far fetched China to believe them real fast.

i think they said mirrorless

You "think" they said mirrorless. In other words, you did not read any "statement" because there is none. If there was one you wouldn't have to "think" just read and quote.

 

[Raist3d]

The four thirds support got changed to "only one system remains" and the presentation admitting the e-5 was a stop gap until the pro micro arrives.

Did they say that, though? I am not so sure they did.

They have said indeed many things. Terada-san himself said at the BioFos interview "merged into one beautiful system." What do you think that is?

I don't know where you get the idea they were saying what you said "all along"

You mean this:

I'm not sure that was a "statement" as such. They were always going to be considering refreshing the standard FourThirds bodies, depending on how well Micro was doing and their profitability on lens sales.

Correct.

Notice that I didn't bring up what they said (even if you could tease some consistency out of Olympus' statements) -- I stated what they would be considering . Or at the least what they would have to be considering, unless they genuinely have no clue at all.

Because with their statements, and I mean by that the latest months, they are not considering. They decided. This is why it's not "what they said all along."

The point of not saying something / saying many things (Olympus Zen?) is to avoid being held to account. Olympus seem to have at least two management camps in their consumer imaging group that are in disagreement, and no clear strategy.

Olympus clearly had stated at this point that the future is Pen, not four thirds. That four thirds would be merged in. Then on top of that, the E-5 is called by them a stop gap until pro micro arrives. Not sure how much more clear it can be. Of course, now we do have the new data point from China.

We now have a new data point saying there will be a new exx and ex models at some point to which due to all the consistent previous statements in the last year and actions I remain somewhat skeptical but not ruling put they changed their mind

They were always leaving plenty of space to "change their mind", as we never knew what their mind was.

There's a difference between changing their mind and leaving room. At first, you are right, they did leave that room, only to close and close more to the point of saying that four thirds - the goal- is to make it no more.

I'm also sceptical of an impending "E-50" -- the E-5 was always going to sell to a certain extent, but is there enough interest left in their knee-capped and partially-garrotted standard FourThirds system to sustain an E-50? Perhaps their sort-of statement is just a customer survey? They should be able to turn out an updated body quickly enough; but it will have to incorporate a "new improved" sensor to gain any real interest, IMO. The E-5 had a "captive market", the E-50 won't (or not to the same extent).

Maybe Olympus are boldly applying management via chaos theory to their consumer imaging group? They are known for innovation.

Well I certainly think with the new president things can change. All I am saying is given the strong direction they were going in what they were saying more and more of, it's good to put some caution on the China data point. i..e let's see them deliver those models.

--

Raist3d/Ricardo (Photographer, software dev.)- "You are taking life too seriously if it bugs you in some way that a guy quotes himself in the .sig quote" - Ricardo

 

[Raist3d]

with that picture? Thanks.

Moreover, you keep "quoting" the same slice of the shot again and again.. there are other parts the GH2 looks better than the E-5. Probably the issue of where the focus was or such. Of course, you pick dpreview when convenient, but using your logic at least we can see the GH2 does better than GFx.

--

Raist3d/Ricardo (Photographer, software dev.)- "You are taking life too seriously if it bugs you in some way that a guy quotes himself in the .sig quote" - Ricardo

 

[Doctor Lecter]

Agreed. I think that m4/3 is all hype. ILC's in general, for that matter. Any time you do something that tries to be "everything" to all people, it is bound to fail. I don't think ILC's will ever replace a good SLR with a bright viewfinder. They may be hip and trendy for a year or two, but will soon fizzle out.
--
Dr. Lecter

 

[Rriley]

if youre going to come here. try to keep up

In other words, there is no "statement", just speculation.

there are recent statements
they just happen to be in Chinese
there are presently 3 translations

--
Riley

any similarity to persons living or dead is coincidental and unintended

 

[Rriley]

I find really interesting how people wouldn't believe... when Olympus consistently said the future was all pens but it takes just one comment in far fetched China to believe them real fast.

i think they said mirrorless

You "think" they said mirrorless.

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/Olympus_E5_The_last_Four_Thirds_DSLR_camera_news_301801.html
yep, i think they said mirrorless, definitely not a future being 'all Pens'

In other words, you did not read any "statement" because there is none.

that would be this statement

All cameras will be mirrorless in the future .'

..................Olympus UK's Consumer Products marketing manager Mark Thackara.

lets see, did that include the word 'mirrorless'
seems so to me

If there was one you wouldn't have to "think" just read and quote.

that would be the above quote, supported by this

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/Olympus_E5__editorial_comment_news_301804.html

What Mr Terada is saying, though, is that Olympus plans to do away with optical viewfinders when it thinks EVF technology is good enough.

that too would be mirrorless, although it doesnt use the word it means the same

--
Riley

any similarity to persons living or dead is coincidental and unintended

 

[olyflyer]

if youre going to come here. try to keep up

In other words, there is no "statement", just speculation.

there are recent statements

Statements made by who?

they just happen to be in Chinese

Oh, I see. And who speaks Chinese of all these people discussing the "statement"?

there are presently 3 translations

I only need one, but that one must be reliable and should come from Oly Japan, not a Google translation.

 

[olyflyer]

I find really interesting how people wouldn't believe... when Olympus consistently said the future was all pens but it takes just one comment in far fetched China to believe them real fast.

i think they said mirrorless

You "think" they said mirrorless.

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/Olympus_E5_The_last_Four_Thirds_DSLR_camera_news_301801.html
yep, i think they said mirrorless, definitely not a future being 'all Pens'

In other words, you did not read any "statement" because there is none.

that would be this statement

All cameras will be mirrorless in the future .'

..................Olympus UK's Consumer Products marketing manager Mark Thackara.

lets see, did that include the word 'mirrorless'
seems so to me

If there was one you wouldn't have to "think" just read and quote.

that would be the above quote, supported by this

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/Olympus_E5__editorial_comment_news_301804.html

What Mr Terada is saying, though, is that Olympus plans to do away with optical viewfinders when it thinks EVF technology is good enough.

that too would be mirrorless, although it doesnt use the word it means the same

"What Mr Terada says makes perfect sense, and I am certain that when EVF technology is good enough many other manufacturers will do the same."

So, what's new?

 

[Rriley]

if youre going to come here. try to keep up

In other words, there is no "statement", just speculation.

there are recent statements

Statements made by who?

Akira Watanabe, whos he?
http://www.olympus-global.com/en/corc/profile/officer/
Director, Executive Managing Officer

they just happen to be in Chinese

Oh, I see. And who speaks Chinese of all these people discussing the "statement"?

there are presently 3 translations

I only need one, but that one must be reliable and should come from Oly Japan, not a Google translation.

you only need one, not a google translation, no problem

yes, for the translations you have posted in here, they are correct, I want to add a bit more info as I can read Chinese:

1. This P&E show in China will be focused on M4/3 as Olympus think China is a still a virgin market for EVILs (less than 10% market share)

2.Mr. Watanabe mentioned that Olympus is a camera manufacturer, unlike Sony and Panasonic who makes lots of consumer electronis products, so Oly products will be more like a real camera instead.(when being asked what he thinks of Oly EVILs might be more competitive than SONY or Pana etc. EVIL products)

3. Mr. Watanabe mentioned that XZ-1 has been selling really well world wide. Oly is happy.

4. Mr. Watanabe mentioned that Since it is impossible for some features (phase/contrast AF?)to be implanted to the current M4/3 system, the development of 4/3 will not cease, currently Oly is just trying to complete the M4/3 system for some of the most needed M4/3 lenses. it is true that Oly has redirected many of its resources to M4/3, but this is just temporally. 3-digit Evolt models will be replaced by PEN, and there will be single digit and double digit 4/3 Evolt bodies decendents FOR SURE, the development for 4/3 lenses WILL NOT stop as well.

5. Mr. Watanabe mentioned that Pentax’s idea of having alternative choices for dfferent colors of cameras is an awesome idea, it’s well worth consider introduce similar concepts to Oly products.

6. Mr. Watanabe mentioned that Oly understands that consumers are waiting for large aperture M4/3 lenses, please look forward to this as Oly will bring out a few products that responds to this request.

second view of the same article

here’s a quick summary of the article again:

1) Article about development of Olympus

2) When asked about Olympus’ development; Watanabe commented that Oly is a camera company; unless Pana and Sony who are Consumer Electronics companies; aside from bodies, Oly also focus strongly on Lenses; Oly will definitely further develop the m43 range and it represents an important factor for Oly’s positioning

3) China is still not into the Micro/Mirrorless cameras, how does Oly seek to change this? Facts showed here;
Japan/Hong Kong; 40% of market share (DSLR + Compact Sys)
Other regions; est 20%
China; est > 10%

Oly muddled over this; stating that they have to let consumers experience exchangeable lens system; make user experience a breeze.

4) More publicity and BTL advertising will be done in China

5) When asked about XZ1; Oly commented that they were lacking such a product previously. They are using it to gain exposure to compact market and let consumers be familiar with Oly.

******************************************************
6) Is Oly going to further develop 4/3 System!?
We cannot comment on this at the moment.

For Single and Double digit range (E5 and E30); we will continue to release products
For Triple digit range; we might be replacing the range with m43.
We will not stop development on 4/3 lenses.

But the short term focus on lenses will be for m43 for us to build up the full range.

--
Riley

any similarity to persons living or dead is coincidental and unintended

 

[Rriley]

third view of the same article

Here’s brief summary according to Chinese text.
I am not native English speaker, but I guess you can get the points, hopefully.

Q1. Will PEN series be the core of Olympus products?
A1.

Not only Olympus but Panasonic and Sony have similar products (EVIL). Olympus will focus on R&D and manufacture of cameras and make their products more like “cameras”. They think P and S cameras are IT products.

Olympus pays attention to the digital capability as well as the optical quality of lenses.

Currently, there are 4 PEN products and they will expand product lines. PEN series will certainly play important role in Olympus product line.

Q2. It seems Chinese are not very aware of EVIL cameras, any strategy for marketing?
A2.

1. In Japan and Hong Kong, EVIL cameras reach approximatly 40% of DSLR market; Other areas, 20%; China, unfortunately, less than 10%. The market growth can be significant.
2. Some promoting activities will be held to increase consumer awareness.
3. PEN series links DSLRs and high-end DSCs. They’ll make the UI more easier.

Q3. What about the marketing strategy for E-PL2?
A3.

1. It’s not proper timing for Olympus to cast large-scale commercials or advertisements.

2. Some user-experience events are very user-friendly and familiarize consumer with PEN products. They’ll continue those events.

Q4. What about XZ-1?
A4.

1. Previously, Olympus did not have similar products. It’s great to let the world know such kind of Olympus products.
2. The sales is good all over the world.

Q5. Both Olympus (should be SONY ?) and Panasonic introduce EVIL camcorders. What does Olympus think about this?
A5.

1. Olympus will not put too much resource on that. They’ll concentrate at still images.

Q6. Any plan for E series?
A6.

1. Olympus will DEFINITELY continue E-x and E-xx series because some functions of E series are irreplaceable by PEN series.
2. As for E-xxx series, we will consider to replace it with PEN series.

3. They will continue the R&D to PEN lenses, and they will NOT stop the R&D of 4/3 lenses
4. Then think PEN lenses are not enough.
5. They’ll focus on PEN lenses in the near future.

Q7. Any plan for fast prime lens for M4/3?
A7.

1. PEN series targets to the public so current M4/3 lenses intends to meet the requirement of the majority.

2. Some people have special requirement and Olympus will make lenses for them as well.

3. The plan is confidential, but they believe the products will make everybody feel satisfied.

Q8. Why did Olympus cancel the popular u series?
A8.
1. It’s market segmentation issue. VG series replaces u series.
2. PEN series dies and revives; Perhaps u series will revive someday.

Q9. What does Olympus think about Fuji X100 and Sony A55?
A9.

1. X100: It’s a great product for those who don’t want to change lenses. PEN series, which is lens-interchangeable, can also meet the basic requirement of X100 users. Therefore Olympus will not present similar products.

2. A55: Technically speaking, Olympus thinks it’s wonderful and applaudable. Considering marketing, they guess Sony will rearrange the product lines since Sony has DSLR, EVIL, and DSLR with EVF (A55/A33).

Q10. Does Olympus consider more personalized design ? (more colors, accessories, or even customized design)
A10.
1. Pentax does that and receives good feedback.
2. In Japan, 50% of people chose white E-PL2.
3. Olympus will provide more accessories and more choice in color.

--
Riley

any similarity to persons living or dead is coincidental and unintended

 

[Rriley]

translation
i, this is my translation:

In the P&E 2011 (translator note: P&E 2011 stand for The 14th China International Photograph & Electrical Imaging Machinery and Technology Fair), Olympus still focused on the PEN series, but at the same time the flagship product E-5 and other digital cameras are also shown. Having this opportunity, we have interviewed Mr. WATANABE AKIRA and Mr. YASUITARU OURA from Olympus. We would ask them to discuss the P&E 2011 that Olympus attended and the future road map of Olympus’ cameras.

PS: Mr. WATANABE AKIRA was responsible for the research and developments of Olympus’ cameras from the very beginning, e.g. the E-1 and the introduction of PEN series.

Editor: In the P&E 2011, we see that Olympus focused on the promotion of PEN series. What is the future plan of Olympus? Will it continue to focus on PEN series?

WATANABE AKIRA: From what we see in the market, Panasonic and Sony have similar products as our PEN series, but they are electronic companies rather than Camera manufacturer. We Olympus do not plan to be the next Panasonic or Sony as an electronic company, but rather, we focus on the research and development of cameras. From this point of view, our camera is not an IT product, but a real camera.

In terms of performance, we are not focusing on boosting the spec of the cameras (translator’s note: e.g. Megapixels), but most importantly we focus on the optical quality of lenses. Regarding to the PEN series, we currently have 4 models, and in the future we will further expand the product line, PEN will definitely play an important role in the product line of Olympus.

Editor: Micro Four Third is still not very common in the Mainland Chinese market, will there be any marketing strategy about it?

WATANABE AKIRA: In the global market, e.g. the market in Japan and Hong Kong, Micro Four Third has a 40% of market share among interchangeable lens camera, and 20% for other places. It is a pity that in the Mainland Chinese market, the market share doesn’t even add up to 10%. But the growth is tremendous, so we have hope on the Mainland Chinese market. In terms of promotions, we think that the most important thing is to let the public know the concept of Micro Four Third. To popularize the PEN series is very important and we are confident about that.

YASUITARU OURA: Concerning about the marketing strategy, first in our own shops (translator note: I don’t know the right term in English. It means that it is the shop dedicated for Olympus’ product only) we will mainly promote the PEN series. And then through retailers and other promotional functions (e.g. an exhibition for food lovers to use PEN to take photos of food), we further raise the awareness of PEN among consumers.

WATANABE AKIRA: In the past, most people use compact camera to take photos. The barriers between it to DSLR is quite high. PEN series is to bridge them together. For example, when we announced the E-PL2, we at the same time announced 3 lens converters (translator’s note: FCON-P01, WCON-P01 and MCON-P01) so that the amateurs can take the opportunity to know more about the behaviors of different type of lens. Then they will be easier to upgrade to DSLR. Among our products, we have an advanced guide (translator’s note: e.g. the guide in the scene mode in the camera), to further shorten the learning curve.

Editor: In the beginning of this year, Olympus announced the E-PL2. Is Olympus going to take the same marketing strategy as before? Will there be more activities on sharing the fun of taking photos with the consumers?

YASUITARU OURA: We will definitely continue to develop, and expand this kind of activities. Although there are other alternatives, e.g. advertisement, it is not the right time for Olympus to have a large scale advertisement. That kind of activities would help us to get closer to the consumers and let them to truly experience our PEN series.
Editor: Regarding to XZ-1, what strategy is Olympus exactly taking?

WATANABE AKIRA: XZ-1 is the highest end compact camera among Olympus’. In many sense it has raised the brand image of Olympus among compact cameras. In the past, Olympus didn’t have a similar product. So now we promote the XZ-1 to let the public to renew their cognition on our compact camera. The market reflects a good comment on the product and it sells good worldwide.

Editor: Olympus and Panasonic has introduced Micro Four Third cameras with video capability, what will Olympus consider when the consumers have the shift in the way they use the camera (as a camcorder)?

WATANABE AKIRA: Since PEN series removed the mirror, not only it introduced miniaturization but also video capability. But we would not consider this as a main function of the camera and further develop on it. We will still focus on still capability.

Editor: Are there any plan on new E system camera? In P&E 2011, what Olympus will focus on in the promotion?

WATANABE AKIRA: We are not ready to reveal the details of new products. We will definitely further develop the 1 and 2 digit E system series (e.g. E-5 and E-30) since there are some functionalities cannot be realized in PEN series. But concerning the 3 digit E system series, we are considering replacing it by the PEN series. We be continue to develop lenses for PEN series and at the same time we will continue to develop Four Third lenses. We think that PEN series lenses are still very limited so we might focus more on this in the near future.

YASUITARU OURA: Our intention to attend the P&E 2011 is to let the public know more our PEN series. This is our main focus in the P&E 2011. It also reflects that we truly value the Mainland Chinese market.

Editor: concerning Micro Four Third lenses line up, is there any plan to release fast prime?

--
Riley

any similarity to persons living or dead is coincidental and unintended

 

[Rriley]

continued

WATANABE AKIRA: We were to lower the barrier between compact camera and DSLR by designing the PEN series which is very compact and portable. The current lenses we have developed are to fulfill the demand of most consumers. But there is still a minority of users who have special needs, we are definitely willing to develop lenses for them too. But we can’t reveal now what products we would announce. Please be patient and I assure that you all will be satisfied.

Editor: Why Olympus canceled the μ series? This is very popular. What leads to Olympus’ decision?

WATANABE AKIRA: We have reevaluated the demand of the public and according to our detailed market analysis, we have finalized our product lines. μ series is replaced by the VG series. By the way, we have PEN series long time again and disappeared, and then now it appears again, with a strong market share. So who knows if μ series will show up again in the future?
Editor: How would Olympus comments on products like Fuji X100 or Sony A55?

WATANABE AKIRA: Fuji X100 is a decent product. To those who have no need to change lens, this product is good enough. At the same time our PEN series is small but yet lens interchangeable and we think that PEN can fulfill the same need as an X100 user. So we won’t consider introducing anything similar. Sony A55 is a pretty good product too. It has a realization of decent technology. From the technological point of view, we cannot help but praising them. But from analysis on Sony’s product line, there are DSLR, mirrorless, and then SLT, we think that Sony would definitely merge some of the product lines up to 1 to 2 types. Now they sell only one camera per type in Japan. So they have to consider their future plan seriously.

Editor: Among PEN series users, many of them value personal styles a lot. Have Olympus considered to introduce more accessories and/or more color options? Are there any possibilities to tailor to each of them individually?

WATANABE AKIRA: In Japan, Pentax has tailored the camera for different colors according to the individual orders. This is something we can learn from. We would definitely introduce more accessories and gives more color choices to let the consumers to choose from. In Japan, half of the people buying E-PL2 choose White as the body color. So to those upgrading from compact camera, we need to consider giving them more varieties to choose from. In fact, we introduced PEN series for this purpose. Concerning accessories, currently in some selected retailers in the Mainland China, there are some choices like straps and leather cases of different colors for consumers to choose from.

--
Riley

any similarity to persons living or dead is coincidental and unintended

 

[Big Ga]

The Sony sensors used in the latest Nikons and Pentax DSLRs demonstrate just how good a sensor smaller than 35mm frame can be.

Sort of. I'm interpreting it more in terms of how sensor and readout technology is progressing in general. The APSc cams have temporarily closed the gap (and in some cases actually overtaken) their big 35mm brethren with the new 16MP sensor, however when something like the new D4 appears, the game will once again change and the IQ benchmark goalposts will once again move.

And that's the problem. What is considered acceptable quality is not a static thing.

Sony sensors in the Nikons and Pentax cameras seem to be beating the crap out of Panasonic sensors for low noise (Im sure firmware has SOMETHING to do with it, as Sony doesnt seem to be getting the same results with their own sensors).

I don't think its firmware. Its different hardware implementations but using the same base silicon.

Sony only use 12 bit readout. Plus they're loosing light due to the mirror less implementation.

Pentax are using traditional analogue gain on the ISO implementation. Nikon are not. They are using a digital gain system. These two (well ... Nikon certainly, and I THINK Pentax) are also using a 14 bit readout system.

There is an excellent article in the current UK AP magazine explaining this written by their newly appointed technical expert, a certain Professor Bob Newman. Name sounds strangely familiar but I can't quite put my finger on why ..

Its such a pity we don't have someone with his immense and in depth knowledge to join us in discussions here on this forum. I mean .... it would be so much easier to separate the wheat from the chaff then as it would then be patently obvious that any group of posters that might constantly argue and disagree with someone like that are almost certainly to be complete and utter idiots and don't deserve any sort of credibility at all.
;-)